Chapter 47: The First Encounter with Han Xi

It seemed like a simple issue about whether Fang Zhou liked Han Xi, but what started as a friendly debate quickly escalated into a gift-giving frenzy.

Neither side was willing to back down, and they kept sending gifts one after another, making the live stream a blur of special effects.

The screen was filled with so many effects that Fang Zhou’s face was completely obscured by the gifts.

With the chat going wild, Fang Zhou was pushed to the top of the trending list in just three minutes.

Countless new viewers flooded into the live stream.

Newcomers, not understanding the situation, kept spamming “WTF,” while the regulars egged them on.

“What’s going on? It feels like the top two donors are emptying their bank accounts on gifts!”

“I think they’re even using their grandparents’ retirement funds.”

“Is this the world of the rich? It’s truly amazing!”

Fang Zhou had been streaming for four or five years, but he had never seen anything like this.

Usually, it was either a single big sponsor or some pay-to-win players throwing gifts. But two sponsors battling it out in his stream? Unheard of.

As the total amount of gifts approached half a million, Fang Zhou could barely contain his smile.

If there were an emoji, Fang Zhou would definitely send one: “Please, stop fighting.”

“Uh, can we pause for a moment?”

Fang Zhou finally spoke up.

After all, it would be too obvious if he didn’t say anything, and people might criticize him.

He originally wanted to explain what happened during the day, but neither of them paid any attention to him and kept sending gifts, occasionally making remarks.

“You don’t like Han Xi, right?”

“You do like Han Xi, right?”

Fang Zhou blinked, suddenly realizing that admitting or denying either would upset one side.

So, he wisely kept his mouth shut, started a game, and stopped looking at the chat.

If they wanted to send gifts, let them. After all, he was the one benefiting.

Only a fool wouldn’t take the money.

By the time Fang Zhou finished the game, it was past midnight, time to end the stream.

He glanced at the chat and saw that the top two donors had left the stream at some point, but the viewers were still enthusiastically discussing their showdown.

“Hey, do you guys think the top two donors are? They’re so rich!”

“It feels like one of them is shipping Han Xi and Fang Zhou, and the other is a die-hard solo fan of Fang Zhou. The tension is palpable.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this. The screen was filled with effects for almost half an hour, you know?”

Fang Zhou felt relieved. It was good they left; otherwise, he would have had to appease the other one after answering, which would’ve been too troublesome.

This also highlighted a point: relying on sponsors to maintain popularity wouldn’t work. Only by building a dedicated fan base of game enthusiasts and true fans could he achieve long-term success.

Fang Zhou began to think about how to leverage the dating show’s popularity to make a comeback.

Despite the trouble brought by encountering his four ex-girlfriends on the show.

However, this was both an opportunity and a challenge. If he handled it well, he might just make a comeback in the streaming world.

Lying in bed, Fang Zhou began to ponder his future.

As he thought, the image of holding Han Xi flashed in his mind.

Usually as cold as a high mountain flower, she nestled in his arms without her usual coldness, strength, or dominance, just like any girl in love relying on her boyfriend.

He couldn’t help but recall his first encounter with Han Xi.

At that time, he had just graduated from university, handing out resumes and looking for internships, which was particularly difficult in the arts field, leaving him frustrated.

He almost thought he was destined to be a workhorse, only finding a glimmer of hope in such roles. (Though, not much has changed now)

He finally found a decent company and rushed for an interview.

The interview process went smoothly, but on his way down in the elevator, it got stuck.

The only other person in the elevator was Han Xi. Initially, neither spoke.

With no cellphone signal, Fang Zhou promptly pressed the emergency button and tried to comfort Han Xi.

“It should be fixed soon.”

However, his kind reminder received no response.

In the dark elevator, Fang Zhou, using the light from his phone, noticed something was off about Han Xi.

She was curled up in a corner, hands covering her head, trembling all over, unaware that her bag had fallen beside her.

“Hey? Are you okay?”

Fang Zhou was startled by her condition, initially thinking she was having a seizure, and quickly checked on her.

The woman was trembling, gripping her head tightly. Even in the phone’s dim light, Fang Zhou could see the veins on her hands.

Afraid she might be in trouble, Fang Zhou said, “Sorry,” and gently removed her hands to check on her.

The woman raised her head, revealing clear eyes filled with fear, panic, and confusion.

“Don’t, don’t touch me!”

She was breathing rapidly, her chest heaving, her forehead covered in sweat, and her body shaking uncontrollably, evoking a protective instinct.

Fang Zhou finally understood—she had claustrophobia.

A type of anxiety disorder triggered by confined spaces, causing panic over potential dangers in such places.

Fang Zhou acted decisively, placing his phone on the floor to reflect light onto the ceiling, illuminating the elevator.

He then gently patted her back with one hand and let her grip his other hand tightly for reassurance.

“It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I’m here with you.”

“Look, it’s not dark here at all. There’s no need to be scared.”

Although Fang Zhou’s actions didn’t completely dispel her fear, Han Xi’s breathing gradually steadied, and she no longer seemed on the verge of a breakdown.

While still trembling, the grip on Fang Zhou’s hand wasn’t as forceful.

Her eyes slowly regained focus, no longer staring blankly.

They stayed like that until the elevator powered back on and the doors opened.

As they parted ways, Han Xi finally spoke her first words to Fang Zhou.

“What’s your name?”

After Fang Zhou told her, the woman nodded slightly and walked out of his sight.

He didn’t think much of it at the time, just considering it a good deed.

Until a week later, when he passed the interview and started working at the company, he saw the woman sitting at the front during a meeting. The nameplate on her desk read “CEO – Han Xi.”